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Rangers´ Staal, Vesey knocked from loss to Predators

New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal and left winger Jimmy Vesey were both knocked from Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators with upper-body injuries.

Staal is feared to have a concussion after he was slammed into the boards by Predators defenseman Alexei Emelin.

Vesey was checked by Predators winger Filip Forsberg behind the Rangers net. The hit caused Vesey to be sandwiched between Forsberg and Nashville center Ryan Johansen.

Vesey's head hit the ice as he and Staal, who has had three prior concussions, were both ruled out of the game with Nashville holding a 3-1 lead in the third period. Vesey's mouth was left bloodied after the hit by Forsberg.

Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei sought retaliation for the hit on Vesey and dropped gloves with Johansen.

Despite a pair of goals from the Rangers in the third period, the Predators were up 4-2 late in the game and added a late goal for a 5-2 victory in Nashville.